‘FOOD WAS MY COCAINE. I WAS KILLING MYSELF’
THOMAS Teneti could not stand for more than 25 seconds without succumbing to excruciating pain six months ago.
At 300kg he could barely wash, struggled to move and suffered from regular chest pains. His world extended no further than his front door.
The 43-year-old wanted to end his life to hide what he saw as a shameful secret.
It wasn’t until a final intervention from a family member changed his life and led him to lose 100kg in five months.
“I got to the point where food became my drug,” he said. “It got so bad I could eat a box and a half of pizza, with sides and still be hungry. It really became my cocaine.”
A forced smile disguised Mr Teneti’s internal agony as he consumed up to four takeaway meals an evening, before sitting down for dinner with his family.
“The truth is I had a hidden life. For 30-plus years I was hiding myself. It came to the point where the outside of me was happy but the inside wasn't. I wanted to take my life.
“Some people do it with a rope or gun. I chose food. I knew if I had enough, I wouldn’t live.”
A confrontation with his nephew inspired Mr Teneti to change his life. “My nephew asked me why I was giving up on life, a 21year-old getting schooled by a 43-year-old. Then for some reason, I just came out with it. I was gay.
“It was a fear in me, a lot of fear. I suppose just of what people would think, family and their reaction.
“You know, he turned around and said ‘that is no reason to give up living. We can’t change what people accept’. From that moment on something clicked.”
The Pimpama man said he began a new journey with a health and nutrition group, Putting Health At The Top (PHATT).
“It works in three stages and includes a detox and an allowed food list,” he said.
“I was a really big redmeat eater. Now I am only eating fish or chicken and drinking three litres of water a day. It makes a big difference. I honestly haven’t thought about eating anything unhealthy since.”
Mr Teneti is down to 196kg and hopes to reach 100kg. “Any kilogram after that is a bonus, but I am not watching the numbers.
“I know inside my gut is repairing and healing to become more healthy everyday.”
From daily joint pain, Mr Teneti can now walk with only minor aches.
He hopes to get to a point where he can share his story with others who may have been in his position.
“When I was younger I enjoyed coaching rugby league and just being part of my family and friends’ lives.”
“I know in the world’s eyes I am still morbidly obese, but
I am 104kg lighter and others can do it to.
“I am out here because I really wish I came out of hiding at a younger age. If my story helps just one person I am over the moon.”